Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when you have the chance to do so. When you’re suffering from insomnia, you can feel dissatisfied with your sleep and usually experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood disturbances
• Decreased performance at work or school

What are the different types of insomnia?

From lack of sleep quality to lack of sleep quantity, insomnia includes a wide range of sleeping disorders. Insomnia is divisible into three types: transient, acute, and chronic.

Transient insomnia occurs when symptoms last up to three nights. Acute insomnia involves symptoms that persist for several weeks. Chronic insomnia sometimes lasts for years, and is  often the side effect of a more significant problem.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia can occur for a wide range of reasons — both physical and psychological. Sometimes, you may have an underlying medical condition that causes chronic insomnia, while transient insomnia may be due to a recent event or occurrence in your life. Some examples include:

• Disruptions in your circadian rhythm, such as jet lag or job shift changes
• Psychological issues, like bipolar disorder or depression
• Medical conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, or sleep apnea
• Hormones, like an estrogen shift during menstruation
• Other factors, such as sleeping next to a snoring partner, parasites, genetic conditions, an overactive mind, or pregnancy

Who is at risk for insomnia?

Insomnia can affect you at any age. But it’s typically more common in adult females. The sleeping disorder can undermine school and work performance, as well as contribute to the following symptoms:

• Obesity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Concentration and memory problems
• Poor immune system function
• Reduced reaction time

If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from insomnia, call or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Dotson and her compassionate staff at Mind, Body & Spirit Med Center can find an effective treatment plan to help you get a better night’s sleep.